Panic Device with 2-Way Communication

ABSTRACT

A panic device operable in conjunction with a local device is configured to unlock a locking mechanism. The panic device can take the form of an electronic key fob, a key shaft, or a key holder. A first trigger on the panic device triggers a local alarm that is on-board or off-board the panic device. A second trigger on the panic device can activate an alarm circuitry that utilizes a local device to provide position information to a distant dispatch station. The local device uses a GPS-aware circuitry or other non-GPS means such as triangulation to determine the position information. The position information can then be sent to the distant dispatch station with or without the aid of the local device.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/294,955, filed Jun. 3, 2014, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/952,540, filed Jul. 26, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No.8,742,924, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/773,161, filed May 4, 2010, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/173,630, filed Jul. 15, 2008, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/950,571, filed on Jul.18, 2007. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/173,630 is also acontinuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/817,000,filed Apr. 2, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,315,242, which is a continuationin part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/753,163, filed Jan. 2,2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,142,096, each of which are incorporated hereintheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to locator systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous types of combination vehicle alarm and locator systems areknown in the field. Examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,742,233,5,838,237, 5,884,199, 5,899,855, 5,913,827, 5,929,761, 5,959,529,5,963,130, 6,028,514 and 6,094,140.

These cited prior art documents, as well as other extrinsic materialsdiscussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Wherea definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference isinconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein,the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definitionof that term in the reference does not apply.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,233 to Hoffman et al. (Apr. 21, 1998) teaches asignaling system that comprises a portable signaling unit, a remotealarm switch device, a central dispatch station, a wirelesscommunication system such as a cellular or telephone system, etc., and aGPS or like system. The portable signaling unit and the remote alarmswitch can be adapted to be worn at different locations on the person'sbody. The remote alarm switch can be concealed in the form of awristband or in the form of any other object such as a broach, pendant,or key chain. When the person in distress activates the remote alarmswitch or when the remote alarm switch is removed from the individual bya forceful or unauthorized action or when the signaling unit is removedfrom the proximity of the remote alarm switch, the portable signalingunit sends a data transmission which includes its location to thecentral dispatch station. The portable signaling unit also has manualalarm trigger capabilities so it can be used without the remote alarmswitch unit. The central dispatch station receives the data transmissionand accurately displays the user identification, stored personalinformation, and nature of the alarm. In addition, the location of theportable signaling unit is superimposed on a digitized map at a positioncorresponding to the location of the person wearing the portablesignaling unit. The portable signaling unit can be remotely activatedfrom a central dispatch station to determine and monitor the location ofthe portable signaling unit.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,838,237 to Revell et al., (Nov. 17, 1998) teaches aself-contained personal alarm device capable of signaling its locationto a remote site such as a security station. The personal alarm deviceincludes a housing enclosing a controller, an antenna, a cellulartransmitter and a cellular receiver. The controller is coupled to thetransmitter and receiver, which are in turn coupled to the antenna. Thecontroller controls the transmitter and the receiver to receive positionlocation signals such as Global Positioning System (GPS) signals,establish a cellular connection with a remote site, and transmit devicelocation data to the remote site on the cellular connection, wherein thedevice location data indicates the location of the device. The cellularconnection is established via a cellular telecommunication network thatincludes an array of cell base stations. The GPS signals are transmittedto the device over the cellular network by providing each cell basestation with a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) receiver.Using the DGPS receivers, GPS signals are repeated over the cellularnetwork.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,199 to Maki (Mar. 16, 1999) teaches a portablewireless receiver that has a position locating function throughreception of GPS satellite radio waves. The portable wireless receiverhas a speaker/microphone unit including a GPS antenna, a speaker, and amicrophone built into the unit.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,855 to Brown (May 4, 1999) teaches insertion of aninternal housing frame into a pre-existing housing box provided fortelephone line access. The frame accommodates a removable cover platewith custom cut holes designed for both lock (cam lock) and plungerswitch (i.e. tamper switch). The original exterior cover plate is placedover the front of the inserted device so as to hold the plunger switchdown in position, ready for alarm activation. The installation of theabove device prevents or deters a would-be burglar from cutting ordamaging telephone lines after removal of the exterior cover plate.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,827 to Gorman (Jun. 22, 1999) teaches a personalmonitor for monitoring a biomedical condition, such as a heart rate. Asensor provides a signal related to the biomedical condition and thesignal is encoded for repeated wireless transmission to a receiver. Anencoded identification signal is also repeatedly sent to the receiver toidentify the transmitter to the receiver, to thereby prevent the adverseeffects of interference that occur if signals other than those from thetransmitter are received. The monitor detects deviations (errors) froman expected pattern and recovers from these deviations (errorcorrection) to display an accurate value of the biomedical condition. Iftoo many errors are present due to interference, faulty transmissionand/or reception, etc., the frequency over which wireless transmissionoccurs can be changed. In one embodiment, the value of the biomedicalcondition is wirelessly sent to the receiver. In another embodiment, thevalue of the biomedical condition is determined in the receiver based onthe encoded signal that is received. The receiver rejects all signalsthat are not from the transmitter.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,761 to Van der Laan et al. (Jul. 27, 1999) teachesan alarm system comprising: a carrier unit; a base unit having anin-output for coupling to a communication network; an alarm monitoringstation coupled to that network; wherein the carrier unit comprises atransmitter and an alarm switch coupled to an alarm input of thetransmitter. By operating the alarm switch, the base unit is wirelesslyactivated by the carrier unit. Accordingly, the base unit makesconnection with the communication network, and selects the access numberof the alarm monitoring station. In accordance with Van der Laan'sinvention, the transmitter comprises a microphone input coupled to amicrophone. Speech signals from the user are wirelessly transmitted bythe transmitter to the base unit, which transmits these speech signalsvia the communication network to the alarm monitoring station.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,959,529 to Kail (Sep. 28, 1999) teaches an automated,real-time, reprogrammable monitoring and control system for portable,remote sensors and subjects including one or more portable monitoringunits, each of the portable monitoring units having a sensor, alocation-determining device, and a sensor interface unit. Each sensorinterface unit is separately configured to monitor its sensor and totransmit that sensor's data, via a digital wireless communicationsnetwork, to a central monitoring device. The portable unit is carried orworn by a person or animal, or affixed to an inanimate subject.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,130 to Schlager et al. (Oct. 5, 1999) teaches aself-locating remote monitoring system including a supervising basestation and one or more remote monitoring units. A remote unit includesa navigational receiver operating with an existing navigational systemfor providing a remote unit location and includes a transmitter forcommunicating the location to the base station for display. The remoteunit includes one or more physiological/environmental sensors formonitoring at the remote location. In a specific embodiment a change insensor status results in the status and the location being transmittedto the base station. The base station includes alarms and displaysresponsive to the change in status. One embodiment defines aman-over-board system, which combines water immersion and distance fromthe base station to trigger an alarm and begin location tracking Anotherembodiment defines an invisible fence system which uses location andtime to define boundaries for containment and exclusion. Anotherembodiment includes a weather surveillance radar receiver providingweather parameters within a weather region and defines a remote weatheralarm system. The weather alarm system uses the weather receiver tomonitor weather within a defined region and to provide the base stationwith location and weather parameters if the parameters fall outsidedefined limits.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,514 to Lemelson et al. (Feb. 22, 2000) teaches acomprehensive system and method for monitoring a geographic personlocation, periodically warning a person of emergency situations in thegeographic location, and transmitting requests for assistance inemergency situations. The system comprises a warning unit that iscarried by the person or that is located in mobile units or in buildingsor houses. The warning unit includes a geographic satellite receiver, areceiver circuit that receives broadcast warning signals definingdangerous situations and geographic locations of the situations, acomputer controller including a processor and a memory, an alarmindicator that indicates when the person is in danger, and atransmission circuit that generates and transmits signals requestingassistance and signals warning of the dangerous situations in a vicinityof the person carrying the portable warning unit, along with the currentgeographic location of the person. The system further comprises acommand center. The command center includes a database computer having adatabase storage unit, a transmitter for broadcasting signals to theunit(s), a receiver for receiving signals, a transmitter fortransmitting signals to emergency response units and centers, and othersuch communication devices. The system uses the unit(s) to monitor andcommunicate with the person using it. The unit(s) interface with thecommand center through signals indicative of a dangerous situation and ageographic situation location, transmitted from the command center tothe unit(s). The geographic person location is compared with thegeographic situation location indicated in the received signal from thecommand center. Expert system rules are used to determine the dangeroussituation and a degree(s) of danger index for the person(s) near or atthe geographic situation location.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,140 to Parente (Jul. 25, 2000) teaches a portablelocator system for alerting a central station of an emergency. Theportable alarm system includes a central unit for monitoring a desiredarea and a remote panic device for activating and signaling the centralunit. The central unit includes a detector for detecting an emergencysituation and generating a signal in response thereto, a processor forreceiving the detection signal and generating an alarm signal inresponse thereto, a receiver for receiving an emergency signal andproviding the emergency signal to the processor and an alarm foralerting the central station upon receipt of one of the alarm signal andemergency signal. The remote panic device includes a device forgenerating the emergency signal upon receipt of a user generated commandand a transmitter for transmitting the emergency signal to the receiverof the central unit. The detection device is a motion detector fordetecting motion in an area surrounding the central unit and the remotepanic device includes an activation button for generating a signal foractivating the motion detector. The remote control unit further includesa button for generating a medical emergency signal and a panic signalfor transmission to the central unit. The transmitter includes at leastone of a modem for connecting to and transmitting the alarm signal tothe central station via telephone lines and a wireless transmitter forwirelessly transmitting the alarm signal to the central station.

Thus, there is still a need for a panic device that can be used inconjunction with a local device external to the panic device to sendlocation information to a dispatch station.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides apparatus and methods in which a panicdevice, operable in conjunction with a local device external to thepanic device, can be used to unlock a locking mechanism.

In contemplated embodiments the panic device can utilize any suitableform factor, including for example, a proximity responder, such as a keyfob having electronics operable to unlock the locking mechanism, a keyshaft operable to unlock the locking mechanism, or a holder (e.g., a keycase, key ring retainer, key chain, etc.) sized and dimensioned toreceive a physical key. Contemplated keys can fit locks in all manner oflocked spaces, including for example, transportation vehicles(generically referred to herein as cars or automobiles, but alsoincluding trucks, motorcycles, mobile homes and so forth), as well asnon-vehicular applications, including for example houses and apartments.

Further embodiments contemplate a first trigger that triggers a localalarm. The local alarm can be on-board the panic device (for exampleusing a speaker) or off-board the panic device (for example using a hornor speaker in a local motor vehicle). In a device with an on-boardspeaker, speaker can advantageously emit a loud noise to frighten anattacker and alert potential bystanders of the user's need for help.

In preferred embodiments a panic device comprises an alarm circuitrythat provides position information to a distant dispatch station. Thealarm circuitry utilizes a local device to either determine the positioninformation or transmit a signal to the dispatch station. Thus, forexample, the panic device could receive position information from anearby local device such as a cell phone or PDA, or from a GPS in alocal motor vehicle. In other contemplated embodiments the local devicecan both determine the position information and transmit a signal to thedispatch station. Use of a local device external to the panic device hasthe advantage that the circuitry used by the local device to determineposition information and transmit a signal is not drawing power from thepanic device.

A preferred method contemplates any suitable manner of determining theposition information. For example, a panic device can be used inconjunction with a local device that has a GPS-aware circuitry todetermine the position information. In other contemplated methods apanic device can be used in conjunction with a local device that doesnot have a GPS-aware circuitry to determine the position information. Insuch methods the position information could be determined bytriangulation of cell phone signals emitted by the local device.

A preferred method also contemplates any suitable means for transmittinga signal to a dispatch station. The signal can be sent to the dispatchstation directly from the panic device (such as through a cell phonefacility housed in the device), or indirectly through a nearby telephonyor WIFI communication device (such as a cell phone, PDA, computer, oreven through a communication device of a transportation vehicle thatemits the local alarm). Contemplated signals can contain any informationrelevant to the dispatch of aid to the user, including for exampleposition information and identification information.

Still other contemplated embodiments include a second trigger thatactivates the alarm circuitry. The second trigger can comprise a button,a plurality of buttons, a slider, or any other suitable interface,including for example an audio interface that includes a microphone andrecognizes a voice command.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventivesubject matter will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanyingdrawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a person utilizing a vehicle alarmfeature of a combination vehicle alarm and locator system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a person utilizing a locator feature ofa combination vehicle alarm and locator system.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of an operation of an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lost child utilizing a locator featureof a combination vehicle alarm and locator system.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of an alternative operation of an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged top perspective view of a panic device of acombination vehicle alarm and locator system.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the panic device of the combination vehiclealarm and locator system.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the panic device of thecombination vehicle alarm and locator system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the components of the combinationvehicle alarm and locator system.

FIG. 10A is a first portion of a flow diagram describing a contemplatedoperation of a combination vehicle alarm and locator system.

FIG. 10B is a continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a panic device having a transmitter, processorand activator disposed in an electronic card, which is shown asextending from a side pocket of a key holder.

FIG. 12A is a plan view of a panic device having a transmitter,processor and activator disposed in a key fob.

FIG. 12B is vertical cross-section of the key fob of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a panic device having a transmitter, processorand activator disposed in a housing of a key ring.

FIG. 14 is a schematic of a system in which a panic device contains anon-board GPS-aware circuit, and communicates with a distal dispatchstation either directly through a cellular network or indirectly througha local relay (e.g., cell phone or automobile).

FIG. 15 is a schematic of an alternative system in which a panic devicehas no on-board GPS-aware circuit, and communicates with a distaldispatch station either directly through a cellular network orindirectly through a local relay (e.g., cell phone or automobile).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1 a user 12 is standing outside a vehicle 14 with a panic device20 of a combination vehicle alarm and locator system 10. Positioned onthe panic device 20 is a first trigger 22 for activating the vehiclealarm function of the combination vehicle alarm and locator system 10.When the first trigger 22 is activated, the panic device 20 generatesand transmits a signal 16 to the vehicle 14. The signal 16 is receivedby the alarm system of the vehicle 14 and acts to either activate ordeactivate the alarm system. The vehicle alarm system preferablygenerates an audible signal when either the system is activated or anattempt is made to circumvent the system. The audible signal generatedby the alarm system is represented by the arced lines labeled with thenumeral 18.

FIG. 2 illustrates the panic device 20 being used by a user 12 lost in awooded area 24. The user 12 is shown with the panic device 20 in handand utilizing the locator function of the system 10 to obtain assistancein finding his way. Also shown is another person 26 attempting to findhis way using a map 28. This view illustrates the contrast between useof conventional methods for finding one's way and the use of acombination vehicle alarm and locator system 10 according to an aspectof the present invention. The combination vehicle alarm and locatorsystem 10 receives GPS or other location signals, and wirelesslytransmits location information as indicated by the arced lines labeledwith the numeral 30.

The location information, and likely user identification eventually getto an operations/ground dispatch station (referred to generically hereinas a dispatch station), such as station 29 in FIG. 3. Upon activation ofa second trigger 32 of the panic device 20, an alarm signal is generatedand transmitted along with the location signal 30. This alarm signalalerts the dispatch station that the user 12 is in need of assistance.Upon receipt of the signal, the dispatch station can dispatch assistanceto the user 12 at the identified location. In embodiments where thelocation signal 30 is constantly transmitted to the dispatch station,the dispatch station can locate the panic device 20 at any timeirrespective of whether the second trigger 32 was activated.

FIG. 3 depicts some of the contemplated transmitting and receivingrelations between a combination vehicle alarm and locator system 10 heldby the user 12, an orbiting satellite 31 and a dispatch station 29. Aplurality of dispatch stations 29 can advantageously be positionedthroughout the world, as indicated by the plurality of black points.

Panic device 20 can transmit a location signal continuously,intermittently, or upon demand as discussed above. When a user 12 islost or injured at a particular location and requires assistance, theuser 12 activates a second trigger 32 on the panic device 20. Uponactivation of the second trigger 32, an alarm signal is generated andtransmitted along with a location signal 30 to the cellular tower 15, asindicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral 21. The cellular towerthen transmits the information to one or more of the dispatch stations29, by satellite, cable, telephone line, or in any other suitablemanner. Relay 19 can be used to assist in locating the user 12.

Alternatively, the panic device 20 can transmit to the dispatch station29 directly, or through some relay other than cellular tower 15, such asthrough vehicle 14 or through some other ground based relay. Thetransmission of the signal through the vehicle 14 is shown by the dottedline labeled with numeral 16.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, a lost child 33 is carrying the panic device 20 withina pocket 35 of an item of clothing 37. The panic device 20 provideslocation information to the dispatch station 29 either directly, orindirectly through some relay such as cellular tower 15, vehicle 14, orsome other ground based relay. The transmission of the signal throughthe vehicle 14 is shown by the dotted lines 16 and 17. The locationinformation can be derived from GPS data, cell phone triangulation orfrom any other suitable data. When the parent 39 contacts an operator 43at the dispatch station 29, the operator 43 can advantageously utilizecomputer system 45 to help to identify the child and its location.

In FIG. 6, panic device 20 generally includes a housing 42 having a faceside 44, second trigger 32 and a visual indicator 48. A cover 50provides selective access to the second trigger 32 thereby decreasingthe possibility of accidental activation of the locator function of thecombination vehicle alarm and locator system 10. Activation of thesecond trigger 32 causes a signal to be generated and transmitted. Alsoextending through the face side 44 of the housing 42 is the firsttrigger 22, which includes a first button 25 for activating the vehiclealarm system and a second button 27 for deactivating the vehicle alarmsystem. The visual indicator 48 includes a first LED 52 for indicatingthat the battery is low, a second LED 54 for indicating that the deviceis operating properly and a third LED 56 for indicating that the secondtrigger 32 has been activated. Activation of the second trigger 32causes the third LED 56 to illuminate as indicated by the dotted lineslabeled with the numeral 68. The third LED 56 can also be made to flashand thereby provide a more visible indication that the second trigger 32has been activated. Positioned on a side of the housing 42 is an antenna58 through which the signal is transmitted to the dispatch station. Akey ring 60 is connected to an end of the housing 42 by a key ringretainer 62. The key ring retainer 62 is releasably connected to theside of the housing 42 and is optionally removable from the panic device20. A battery 64 is slidably positioned into a recess in the housing 42.Cover 66 on a side of the housing 42 covers infrared LEDs that are usedto transmit a signal upon activation of the first trigger 22.

FIG. 7 depicts a view of the back side of the combination vehicle alarmand locator system 10. As can be seen from this view, positioned on aback side of the panic device 20 is a clip 70 for attaching the panicdevice 20 to an article of clothing or accessory of the user. The clip70 aids the user in retaining the panic device 20 in a non-obtrusivemanner. Also positioned on the back side 68 is a speaker 72 throughwhich audible signals 73 can be generated. The generation of audilesignals can optionally occur upon activation of the first trigger 22 orthe second trigger 32. The audible signals 73 are preferably in the formof a screeching sound for the purpose of frightening away attackers.Extending from a side of the housing is the removable key ring retainer62 and key ring 60. The removable key ring retainer 62 is selectivelyremovable from its position connected to the panic device 20. Extendingfrom another side of the housing is the antenna 58.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the panic device 20 of thecombination vehicle alarm and locator system 10. As can be seen fromthis view, the housing 42 includes a top section 74 and a bottom section76. Positioned between the top and bottom sections 74 and 76 is theinternal circuitry 78 of the first trigger 22 for vehicle alarm system10. The top section 74 includes a first recess 80 through which thesecond trigger 32 extends, second recesses 82 for receiving the visualindicators 48 and a third recess 84 for receiving the first trigger 22for the vehicle alarm system. Selectively extending from a side of thehousing between the top section 74 and the bottom section 76 is the keyring holder 62. The key ring 60 is connected to the key ring holder 62.On a side of the housing 42 opposite the key ring holder 62 is the cover66. Positioned within the housing and aligned with the cover 66 is aninfrared LED 86 for transmitting an infrared signal to a vehicle uponactivation of the first trigger 22. Positioned on the bottom section 76of the housing 42 is a clip retainer 88. The clip retainer 88 releasablysecures the clip 70 to the bottom section 76. Positioned on the bottomside but not shown in this Figure is the speaker for generating theaudible signal upon activation of the first trigger 22 or the secondtrigger 32.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the panic device 20. As can be seenfrom the Figure, the panic device includes a first location section 89and a second vehicle alarm section 90. Within the first section 89 is aprocessor 92. The processor 92 is connected to the power source 64. Thepower source 64 is monitored by a sensor 94 which determines the powerlevel of the power source 64. Upon determining that the power level isbelow a threshold value, the sensor 94 will activate the low power levelLED 52 of the visual indicator 48. A memory 96 is connected to theprocessor 92 for storing identification information concerning the panicdevice 20 to be transmitted upon activation of the second trigger 32.The operation LED 54 and the alert LED 56 are also connected to theprocessor 92. The second trigger 32 is also connected to the processor92. A transmitter 98 is connected between the processor 92 and theantenna 58 for transmitting a signal including the identificationinformation concerning the panic device 20 upon activation of the secondtrigger 32.

The second section 90 is provided for activating and deactivating avehicle alarm system. The second section 90 includes a processor 100positioned therein. The processor 100 is connected to the power source64. Alternatively, the second section 90 can include another powersource. Connected to the processor 100 are the alarm activate button 25and the alarm deactivate button 27. A transmitter 102 is also connectedto the processor 100. The transmitter 102 is preferably an infrared LEDfor generating and transmitting an infrared signal to the vehicle alarmsystem.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depicts a contemplated operation of a locatorfunction. This function is beneficial when the user suffers an injury oris lost as discussed in step S2. Upon determining that the user is lostor injured, the user activates the second trigger 32 as stated in stepS4. Upon activation of the second trigger 32, the transmitter 102retrieves the identification information stored in memory 96 asdescribed in step S6. The user can optionally activate the speaker togenerate an audible signal which can be heard by persons in the area ofthe user as discussed in step S8. The user can also optionally activatethe first trigger, thereby transmitting a signal to a nearby vehicle andcausing the vehicle to sound an alarm as shown in step S10. Theprocessor 92 activates the alarm circuitry to utilize a local device,such as a cell phone, for determining position information as shown instep S12. The processor 92 then activates the transmitter 102 totransmit a signal including the position and identification informationand an alarm indication to a dispatch station through a cellular tower,vehicle, or other relay as stated in step S14. The dispatch station 29receives the signal from the cellular tower or other relay and utilizesa computer system to determine the identity and location of the user asdescribed in step S16. The dispatch station 29 can then contactauthorities in a location near the user to send aid to the user asindicated in step S18.

To minimize on-board power requirements of panic device 20, panic device20 can be adapted to communicate to the dispatch station 29 via a localrelay such as vehicle 14, a radio relay station, a cell phone cell, aWAN access point or the like that is able to communicate with dispatchstation 29.

A user is thus able to contact assistance when needed and also activatea vehicle alarm system using a single handheld panic device 20. Thepanic device 20 also can be used to retain keys thereon. The panicdevice 20 can also be clipped to an article of clothing worn by the userusing the clip 70 on the back side and thus is unobtrusive to the user.

In FIG. 11 a panic device 200 generally has a housing 210 with an arrayof key retaining loops 212, a zipper closure 214, and a removableelectronic card 220, which is shown as extending from a side pocket 216of the housing 210. The card 220 includes a transmitter 222, a processor223 and an activator 224, a microphone 225 and a speaker 226, other userbutton 227, and an optional GPS circuitry 228. The panic device can alsobe an electronic keyless responder or a proximity responder, such as akeyless fob.

In FIGS. 12A and 12B an alternative panic device 300 generally includesa housing 310 shaped as a key fob with a channel 312 to receive a key(shown in phantom). The device 300 also includes a transmitter 322, aprocessor 323 and an activator 324, other user buttons 327, and anoptional GPS circuitry 328.

In FIG. 13 an alternative panic device 400 generally includes a housing410 and a wire 412 sized and dimensioned to act as a key ring. Thedevice 400 also includes transmitter 422, a processor 423 and anactivator slider 424, other user buttons 427, and an optional GPScircuitry 428.

In FIG. 14 a system 500 generally includes a panic device 510 and one ormore of: a portable electronic device 505 (e.g. a cell phone), acommunication network 520 (euphemistically represented here as a celltower), a dispatcher 530, and a local alarm-equipped apparatus 540(euphemistically represented here as an automobile or truck). Panicdevice 510 should be interpreted generically, and especially to includeany of devices 200, 300, or 400.

In this configuration the panic device 510 includes a transmitter 512,an activator 514, a processor 515, a GPS circuitry 516, and associatedelectronics and power supply (not shown). When the activator 514 ispressed or otherwise operated, the panic device 510 sends a signal tothe local alarm-equipped apparatus 540 to sound an alarm. Anothersignal, which includes position information, is sent through the network520 to the dispatcher 530, with or without the intervention of theportable electronic device 505.

In FIG. 15 an alternative system 600 generally includes a panic device610 and one or more of: a portable electronic device 605 (e.g. a cellphone) having a GPS circuitry 606, a communication network 620(euphemistically represented here as a cell tower), a dispatcher 630,and a local alarm-equipped apparatus 640 (euphemistically representedhere as an automobile or truck). Panic device 610 should also beinterpreted generically, and especially including any of devices 200,300, or 400.

In this configuration the panic device 610 includes a transmitter 612,an activator 614, and associated electronics and power supply (notshown). When the activator 614 is pressed or otherwise operated, thepanic device 610 sends a signal to the local alarm-equipped apparatus640 to sound an alarm, and another signal that includes positioninformation, through the network 620 to the dispatcher 630, with orwithout the intervention of the portable electronic device 605. Positioninformation is obtained from the GPS 606 in the portable electronicdevice 605 or from the GPS 607 in the apparatus 640.

The types of alarms that might be triggered are not limited in any way.As such, they can be of any type that can be sensed by hearing, sight,smell, touch, taste, and equilibrium, or can be a type that cannot bereadily sensed such as a communication with another device. Moreover,alarms can be currently triggered, can be currently triggered only ifcurrent conditions are appropriate, can be time delayed, or can even bedelayed and made contingent on the occurrence of one or more otherevents and/or conditions.

Contemplated devices can comprise inputs consisting only of those neededto trigger the local and remote alarms, or can comprise any additionalinputs that don't interfere with the function of the device. Such inputscan be of any type including but not necessarily limited to buttons,touch pads, microphones, and motion detectors. In some instances asingle input can be used to trigger both local and remote alarms. Thesame or additional inputs can also be used to deactivate any triggeredalarms.

Determining the position of the device can be accomplished by the deviceitself, by a vehicle or other apparatus in proximity to the device or byan apparatus that is not in proximity to the device. If determined bythe device, position information can be transmitted by the device aspart of a remote alarm trigger. If determined by another apparatus inproximity to the device, such as an apparatus located in a vehicle,position information can be added to the signal passed on by theproximate apparatus. Position is preferably determined using a satellitebased global positioning system, such as the GPS system popular today,possibly in conjunction with one or more ground based systems to improveaccuracy. However, alternative embodiments can utilize another form ofradio navigation system or some other type of positioning system.

Contemplated devices can comprise features other than those necessary totrigger alarms, sense local conditions, and/or communicate with otherdevices. Such features can include but are not limited to: one or moreconnectors for coupling a key to the device or coupling the device toanother object such as a belt; one or more power connectors to allowpower to be transmitted to and/or from the device; one or more dataconnectors to allow data to be transferred to and/or from the device;and one or more non-alarm related output devices such as a visualdisplay.

EXAMPLE #1

A protection system comprising a plurality of trigger devices and atleast one dispatch station, where each of the trigger devices is adaptedto determine its current location, to accept inputs, to generate analarm, and to transmit signals directly to the dispatch station. In thisexample, a person can carry the device and use it to trigger an alarmthat would be emitted by the device itself, and/or to send a signal tothe dispatch station. Since the device is able to determine its currentlocation, the signal sent to the dispatch station includes positioninformation.

EXAMPLE #2

In this case at least one of the trigger devices can send a signal to alocal relay apparatus (typically located in a nearby vehicle) which inturn sends a signal to the dispatch station. It should be noted that thetransmission between the relay apparatus and the dispatch station canitself involve multiple links and/or relays. As an example, a personcould carry an alarm device that also functions as a key ring, use it totrigger a remote alarm by signaling the person's vehicle and having thevehicle relay the signal and/or its content to the dispatch station,possibly via a cellular telephone network.

EXAMPLE #3

In this case at least one of the trigger devices can send a signal tothe dispatch station (either directly or indirectly), and can also senda signal to a local vehicle to activate an alarm in that vehicle.

EXAMPLE #4

In this case at least one of the trigger devices has no on-board GPScircuitry (or such circuitry is inoperable), and the locationinformation sent to the dispatch station is derived from some localdevice such as a cell phone, PDA, or perhaps a local vehicle. Here, thesignal transmitted to the dispatch station could come from the triggerdevice, but would more likely be generated and sent by the local device.The trigger device would therefore simply be instructing the localdevice to determine position, and send the location information to thedispatch station.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps can be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at leastone of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . andN, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from thegroup, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand-carried panic device configured tofacilitate entry of a user into a physical space where entry is limitedby a locking mechanism, and to use position information obtained by aposition-aware facility carried by the user outside the space; the panicdevice comprising: at least one of (a) electronics operable to unlockthe locking mechanism, (b) a key shaft operable to unlock the lockingmechanism, and (c) a holder sized and dimensioned to receive a physicalkey that is operable to unlock the locking mechanism; electronicsconfigured to operate an on-board speaker and engage in 2-waycommunication; a first trigger that triggers a local alarm; an alarmcircuitry that can be operated to trigger sending of a signal to adistant dispatch station, wherein the signal includes the positioninformation, and wherein the signal is a cell phone signal, and a secondtrigger that activates the alarm circuitry.
 2. The panic device of claim1, wherein the holder comprises a cavity that receives at least an endof the physical key.
 3. The panic device of claim 1, having both theelectronics and the key shaft.
 4. The panic device of claim 1, whereinthe first trigger is configured to activate a car alarm.
 5. A methodcomprising the step of using the panic device of claim 1 in conjunctionwith a second device that is local and external to the panic device toobtain the position information, wherein the second device includes thatposition-aware facility.
 6. The panic device of claim 1, wherein theposition-aware facility is disposed in the panic device.
 7. A methodcomprising the step of using the panic device of claim 1 in conjunctionwith a transmitter to transmit the signal to the dispatch station,wherein the transmitter is local, but not physically coupled, to thepanic device, but external to both the panic device and the space. 8.The panic device of claim 1, wherein the second trigger comprisescircuitry that recognizes a voice command.
 9. The panic device of claim1, further comprising a speaker housed within the holder.
 10. The panicdevice of claim 1, wherein the electronics composes a key fob.
 11. Amethod comprising the step of using the panic device of claim 1 inconjunction with a GPS-aware circuitry in a device that is local butexternal to the panic device, to determine the position information. 12.A method comprising the step of using a transmitter housed in ahand-carried local device that is local but external to the panic deviceof claim 1, wherein the second device has no GPS-aware circuitry. 13.The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of determining theposition information by triangulation of the cell phone signal emittedby the local device.
 14. A method comprising the step of using the panicdevice of claim 1 in conjunction with a local second device, disposedoutside the space and external to the panic device, to transmit thesignal to the dispatch station over a cellular network.
 15. A methodcomprising the step of using the alarm circuitry of the panic device ofclaim 1 to send the position information.